Young Men Focus on Looks to Feel Better

A new trend called 'looksmaxxing' is popular among some young men. They spend a lot of time trying to improve how they look. This is often done with advice from online groups and can be linked to how they feel about themselves.
By Newsroom | Social Trends, Youth Culture |

The Growing Focus on Appearance Among Young Men

A trend known as "looksmaxxing" is gaining attention, characterized by a strong emphasis on improving physical appearance. This movement appears to be attracting a segment of young men who are deeply concerned with their looks and social status. Discussions surrounding looksmaxxing suggest a link to broader issues of self-esteem, social pressure, and online subcultures.

Context: The Rise of "Looksmaxxing"

The "looksmaxxing" phenomenon, as described in various reports, involves individuals, primarily young men, dedicating significant effort to enhancing their physical appearance.

  • Origin and Nature: The term itself, "looksmaxxing," suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to "maximize" one's looks. This pursuit seems to be fueled by dissatisfaction with current appearance and a desire for improvement.

  • Online Platforms: Online spaces, including platforms like TikTok and various chat rooms, appear to be central to the spread of looksmaxxing. These platforms offer avenues for advice, discussion, and the sharing of visual content related to appearance enhancement.

  • Target Demographic: Reports indicate that young men and teenage boys are particularly drawn to this trend. Vulnerable individuals who feel a lack of control in their environment may turn to aspects of their appearance as a point of control.

Evidence and Observations

Several reports offer insights into the nature and implications of looksmaxxing:

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  • Focus on Appearance: A core element is a "monomaniacal commitment to improving their physical appearance," as noted by The Atlantic. This intense focus suggests that appearance has become a primary concern for participants.

  • Online Advice Exchange: In online chat rooms, young men are reportedly instructed to "upload photos in exchange for advice," according to The Conversation. This highlights a peer-to-peer or community-driven approach to appearance consultation.

  • Potential Links to Incel Culture: The Conversation also points out that this trend can "pull young boys and men into a dark subculture of incels." This suggests a possible connection to communities with specific ideologies and social outlooks.

  • Political Ambiguity: While some looksmaxxer adherents might align with certain political figures like Donald Trump, their political views are not easily categorized. The Atlantic observed that one figure "remains silent, letting the large word on his hat do the talking," indicating a complex and sometimes non-explicitly political stance.

The Role of Online Communities

Online environments play a crucial role in the dissemination and practice of looksmaxxing.

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  • Information Hubs: Platforms serve as spaces where individuals share advice and visual materials related to appearance. This suggests that online communities are actively shaping how looksmaxxing is understood and practiced.

  • Targeted Influence: The Conversation suggests these platforms can "target vulnerable young men," implying that the online nature of looksmaxxing can be a draw for those seeking direction or validation.

Perceptions of Masculinity and Self-Esteem

Looksmaxxing appears to intersect with evolving notions of masculinity and individual self-worth.

  • Restrictive Masculinity: Studies highlight that young men are beginning to "recognise misogynistic ideology and restrictive performances of masculinity," as reported by The Conversation. This indicates an awareness of societal pressures and expectations related to being male.

  • Narcissism and Status: Spiked describes the trend as speaking to the "narcissism of our age," while The Atlantic refers to it as the "most narcissistic corner of the internet." These characterizations suggest a link between looksmaxxing, self-obsession, and a desire for social standing.

Expert and Media Commentary

Various publications have commented on the trends associated with looksmaxxing.

  • Societal Reflection: Spiked frames the cult of looksmaxxing as reflective of broader societal narcissism. This suggests that the trend is not an isolated phenomenon but may mirror larger cultural currents.

  • Broader Crisis: The Atlantic views looksmaxxing as indicative of a "depth of the crisis facing young men." This implies that the intense focus on appearance may be a symptom of deeper social or psychological challenges.

Findings and Implications

The available information points to looksmaxxing as a significant trend among some young men, characterized by an intense focus on physical appearance, often facilitated by online communities.

  • Appearance as a Control: For some, looksmaxxing may serve as a means of exerting control in areas of life where they feel powerless.

  • Social and Ideological Links: There are indications of potential connections between looksmaxxing and more concerning subcultures, as well as links to perceptions of masculinity and societal pressures.

  • Further Inquiry: Understanding the motivations, specific practices, and long-term effects of looksmaxxing on individuals and society requires continued observation and analysis of the online spaces where it is prevalent.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is 'looksmaxxing'?
It's a trend where young men try very hard to improve their physical appearance. They want to look as good as possible.
Q: Where does this trend happen?
It mostly happens online, on websites and apps where people share advice.
Q: Why are young men doing this?
Some reports say it's because they feel unhappy with their looks or want more control. It can also be linked to social pressures and online groups.
Q: Is this trend safe?
Some experts worry it can lead young men to dark online groups or make them focus too much on looks, which might affect their self-worth.